English Heritage is the official government agency charged with looking after, well, English heritage!
What this means in practice is that English Heritage performs archaeological excavations, preserves ancient monuments and buildings, and administers heritage sites. Many of the most famous historic buildings and monuments in Britain (Stonehenge, for example) are under the care of English Heritage. Many of the sites the EH manages are ruins (castles, stone circles, and medieval monasteries, for example), though a few properties are stately homes such as Audley End House in Essex.
One of the best things that EH gets up to is hosting special events at many of the properties they administer. A glance at their latest "Events" brochure reveals over 600 events ranging from historical re-enactments of jousting to "Life in the Age of Chivalry" and exhibitions of medieval calligraphy. For those of you living outside the UK, you should be able to get a current copy of the events brochure from any regional British Tourist Authority office, or request a copy through your your local travel agent.
Membership
If you enjoy exploring the history and heritage of England, a membership can pay for itself many times over. Membership entitles you to free entry to all English Heritage properties throughout England, and includes quarterly colour magazine and member-only offers and travel discounts as well as information on special events and family activities.
The Britain Express family have been English Heritage members for over a decade, and over that time we've visited roughly 90% of English Heritage properties throughout the country. I think we've had pretty good value from our annual memberships!
We always keep our membership cards with us, even when visiting Scotland and Wales. For, one of the benefits of membership is that English Heritage has reciprocal arrangements with heritage organisations in many other countries. Within the UK that includes CADW in Wales and Historic Scotland in Scotland. During your first year of EH membership you can get into CADW and Historic Scotland properties for half price, and after you've been a member for a full year you can get in for free. That's a lot of historic properties to visit for free!
In the past, English Heritage memberships were only available directly from EH, or by visiting a property under EH care. We are delighted that we can now offer readers of Britain Express the opportunity to get English Heritage memberships through us. Please support the work of English Heritage in preserving and protecting the rich history of England for future generations, and enjoy all the benefits of membership ...
More details from the excellent EH website at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk.
Membership Benefits:
- Kids go Free - up to 6 children under 19 get free entry when accompanied by an adult member
- Free entry to historic sites
- Free or reduced price entry to special events
- Free members pack includes car sticker, membership card, and quarterly members magazine
- Free admission to CADW and Historic Scotland sites (50% off during first year, free thereafter)
- Life membership gives free admission plus 1 accompanying adult is free
Annual membership prices (subject to change)
Adult £66.00
Joint Adult: £115
Senior: £59
Joint Senior: £92
Adult + Senior: £103
Student: £53 (NUS member and under 19)
CONTACT INFORMATION
(This information was current at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Please visit the English Heritage website for the latest information)
GENERAL ENQUIRIES:
English Heritage
Customer Services Department
PO Box 569
Swindon
SN2 2YP
England
Email Customer Services: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Email Membership Enquiries: members@english-heritage.org.uk"
Telephone: +44 (0) 870 333 1182
Email National Monument Record (NMR): info@rchme.co.uk
REGIONAL ENQUIRIES:
North East Region
Bessie Surtees House
41 - 44 Sandhill
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3JF
Tel: 0191 261 1585
London Region
23 Savile Row
London
W1S 2ET
Tel: 020 7973 3000
North West Region
Canada House
3 Chepstow Street
Manchester
M1 5FW
Tel: 0161 242 1400
East of England Region
Brooklands House
24 Brooklands Avenue
Cambridge
CB2 2BU
Tel: 01223 582700
Yorkshire Region
37 Tanner Row
York
YO1 6WP
Tel: 01904 601901
South West Region
29 Queen Square
Bristol
BS1 4ND
Tel: 0117 975 0700
East Midlands Region
44 Derngate
Northampton
NN1 1UH
Tel: 01604 735400
South East Region
Eastgate Court
195-205 High Street
Guildford
GU1 3EH
Tel: 01483 252000
West Midlands Region
112 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 3AG
Tel: 0121 625 6820
Stonehenge enquiries
01980 624715
